Tuesday, 24 July 2012

How to Deal With Teen Pregnancies

In the twenty first century, the problem of
teen pregnancies is not one that we just read about or discuss with a grim
face. It is reality and a very familiar one at that. Many of us will at least
know one friend or a friend’s friend who has dealt with a similar situation.
The problem is not that teenagers are getting pregnant. The problem is that
they do not know how to deal with their pregnancy. For starters, getting
pregnant when you are a teenager is an act of irresponsibility given the fact
that, you are neither emotionally nor financially established enough to be a
mother.

Having
a baby is definitely not child’s play. So, before a teenage girl can decide to
be a parent, she must realise the gravity of the responsibility that she is
taking up. So, before even indulging in sexual activities, it is both the girl
and her partner’s duty to ensure that she does not end up pregnant.

In this context, we need to talk about some
of the common mistakes that people make, so that they may be avoided at all
costs. Sex without protection is not an option for anyone unless they want a
child and are one hundred per cent sure that there is no chance of getting a
sexually transmitted disease. None of these points hold for young teens. The other
mistake that most teenagers (even grown-ups at times) make is that they feel condom
can give complete protection.

It is true that they protect against STDs,
but not always against pregnancies. In rare cases, the condoms slip off during
intercourse or get damaged. In such cases, pregnancy can definitely happen. There
is a disclaimer in the package itself stating that condoms aren’t 100%
effective. So, if you want to eliminate every chance of that happening, be
extra careful during intercourse and do not rely on the condom alone for
protection. If you are unsure take the contraceptive pill within the stipulated
time to eliminate any possibility of ending up pregnant.

and the number is still on a rise

If neither of those options work for you
then do not panic. A ‘surgical abortion’ is not always necessary. You can still
take a pill after consulting a doctor, without worrying about any serious long
term side effects. They have a very high success rate too. But before you can
do that, you need to find someone you can confide in. It is best if the person
is your parent, but in case that is not an option tell another grown up who
will be supportive. The most important part is to not get scared and handle the
situation maturely.

Remember
that things only get worse if you try to ignore and hide them. If you even
slightly suspect that you are pregnant, take all the necessary precautions
mentioned above. Often teenagers are at a loss for what to do because they are
scared of their parents’ reaction or too shy and afraid to go to a doctor. In
such times of turmoil just remember that help is just round the corner. There
is almost always somebody that you can go to for advice.